1. Broadband Adoption & Utilization Keys to Success

2. Both of these are infrastructure…

3. …Value comes only from use!

4. Why is this so hard?

5. Why?
Users
Community

6. This is how we do it!

7. …Broadband Communities Background
Sponsored by Blandin Foundation
Developed through NTIA BTOP Sustainable Broadband Adoption grant
Uses the Intelligent Community Framework
Provides
Leadership development
Strategic planning facilitation
Project grant dollars

8. Flexible approach Geography Individual cities Counties
Multi-county regions
Tribal governments
School districts
Uniquely defined “communities”
Resources
Grant funds range from $50 - $100k per community
TA project partners contracted vs. self-interest
High touch vs. self-help

9. What is the Intelligent Community approach?
Broadband
Will your area broadband networks be adequate to allow advanced use?
Knowledge Workforce
How are you creating, attracting and retaining a tech-savvy workforce
Innovation
Who is adopting new technologies?
Digital Equity
Is everyone connecting?
Sustainability
Is your community prepared for the long run?
Advocacy
Does your community have a tech-focused brand aimed at current and prospective residents and businesses?

10. Process Overview From Vision to Projects in 90 days
Pre-process
Partner development
Community application and selection
Leadership and project planning
Orientation and benchmarking
Steering team
Vision
Project development
Projects
Grant writing
Projects approved
Implementation

11. Project Examples Broadband Community WiFi hot spots
Broadband feasibility studies
Digital Inclusion
PCs for People computers
Library and school access
Intro tech courses
Knowledge Workforce
WiFi on school buses
Device purchases
Hack fests
Internships
Coding camps
Innovation
E-commerce classes
Social Media Breakfasts
Technology assessments
Technology consulting
Technology grants
Tech fairs
Marketing/Advocacy
Branding initiatives
Landing pages
Community apps
Websites
Events
Sustainability
Waiting on a project!

12. Get everyone paddling in the same direction on adoption and use!

13. Successes Community excitement and satisfaction
Community sectors working together
Expanded community view beyond infrastructure
15% increase in take rates over non- participating communities
Partnerships
Providers
Tech vendors
University Extension Service
Workforce Centers
Small Business Development Centers
Others

14. Key learnings Leadership matters!
Early efforts to spur widespread community participation pays off
More small projects provides more impact than just a couple large projects
Projects with multiple partners and multiple Intelligent Community elements are more interesting and sustainable
Providers need patience to get participation ROI
Community cohorts spur multiple benefits

15. Discussion For more information:
Bill Coleman